Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Possibly a stylised Wrasse, c. 1797

Possibly a stylised Wrasse, c. 1797

TAL & Dai-ichi Life Derby Collection, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW ; Purchased from The Rt Hon. The 19th Earl of Derby, 2011; PXD 1098, vol. 4, f. 22

Watercolour

Wrasse originates from the Cornish word ‘wragh’ meaning an old woman.
Wrasse fish are carnivores, feeding on a wide range of small invertebrates.
Wrasse fish are commonly found in coral reef areas of Australia.
The Wrasses are a family of marine fish known as Labridae, with over 600 species.
Wrasse fish have distinctive colour changes as they mature.
There are around 225 species of known Wrasse fish in Australia.